Monday, February 23, 2009

I am going to warn you that a portion of today’s blog will be sad and will take on a very different tone than usual.

2 people that I knew passed away last week. One was my Uncle who was in his 80’s and the other someone I really knew of and not personally. He was only 43.

I had two major “aha’s” that I want to share with you and promise to tie them to something positive if you stay with me.

At my Uncle’s wake, there were pictures of him at various stages of his life. There were pictures of him when he was in the service after World War II, pictures of him at his wedding, with his children and the rest of our large family. Pictures of him with his friends, neighbors, being goofy, sitting by the Model T he bought many years ago, pictures of him as a motorcycle cop way back when. It was a true testimonial to a life well lived.

My take away: Let’s remember to live life today. The goals we chase are fine, conquering the world and the ding in the universe stuff, kick ass. Life is what seems to happen to us along the way. Let’s enjoy that journey!

The other take away came to me in the form of someone who died suddenly. I graduated with him but never really knew him. He lived at the other end of my block and had young kids. The funeral procession passed by his house and in doing so, passed mine.

My take away: Perhaps I may not have 80 something years like Uncle Pete did. Destiny does not make an appointment to arrive at a convenient time.

Here are some things we need to do THIS WEEK to get us back on track:

What have you been putting off? What is one action you can take in the next 24 hours that you know you needed to do but haven’t?

Is there someone who you need to reconnect with that you’ve let the relationship go on hold? Is there a fence in your life in need of mending? Is there someone you need to forgive or someone you need to say sorry to?

Just out of curiosity, when was the last time you had a date with your significant other? I’ve been married for 20 years (dated for 5 years before that) and I still date my wife.

Are you stopping along the way to watch your kid’s soccer game, watch American Idol with them or simply to tell them that you love them and are proud of them? Just a random thought: That Cats in The Cradle song is a real bitch!

How are you doing on the goals you set for 2009? Are you on track? If not have you adjusted?

When you were younger I bet there was something that you really loved to do or really wanted to do that you traded in to become a card carrying member of the grown up club. Maybe today is the day you and that stupid kid have a reunion!

The 12:00 Reality Check: Each day at 12 make sure you are half way through the goals you have set for the day. If you aren’t, get off your ass and adjust something. Cancel that lunch you set up with your co workers, eat at your desk, glue the phone to your ear if need be but GET BACK ON TRACK!

Here’s the point folks. The greatest failure any of us could ever experience is coming to the end of our life’s journey with our music still in our heads!

Today is your day to reclaim your birthright by taking action. Take a risk today. Stretch yourself. Reconnect. Forgive.

Most of all, commit to living a life that will serve as testimonial to who you really are.

You deserve nothing less!Please pass this along to your friends and co workers!

7 comments:

I am sorry about your loss. Thank you for sharing this today. I started my Monday slightly crabby because of a not-so-great weekend. Things just didn't seem to go right for me and I'm having car issues. Though I'm not very worked up about it, I was dwelling on it enough that I allowed it to negatively impact my mood today. After reading your blog, I have decided to squash it and move on. It's only 9:14am Central time here in Wisconsin and I intend on making it count today. Thank you for the re-inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Uncle Paul.

As always, I truly enjoy and appreciate your writings. This post was another reminder to enjoy life's little things. Ironically, at the past couple of wakes I've been to, I also have noticed the "life-picture-boards"...but never realized how much these reflect upon the fullness of one's life.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this and all blog posts. Cheers,

Wow...what a great reminder to stop letting life go by without us even aware of it! I fall victim to this far too often, just going through the motions and letting life happen to me, rather than making my life happen. Thanks for the words of wisdom! -Kyle

Life is a funny thing. After I wrote this, I left for Uncle Pete's funeral. I was completely blown away that two of my brothers were able to make it. After the funeral I chatted with them for a bit and quickly realized that in my quest for jedi mastery, I was failing on the brother front.

We decided to go out for a late breakfast and catch up.

All I can say is that I am truly appreciative that it didn't take one of our funerals for us to get this important lesson.

It's a damn good feeling when one see's the light! I really do get it now!

I appreciate your willingness to share your experiences and I have just one thing to tell you and anyone else that cares to read this:

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ I order my life by the Word of God and God tells us these two things about the future:From Hebrews 9 verses 27 and 28: (27)And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, (28)so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.And from Matthew Chapter 6 verses 31-34: (31) "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'(32) "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.(33)"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.(34)"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Paul,I got a similar set of amazing inner revelations just being exposed to your experiences. Thanks for sharing. Though the Jedi's work is never done, the clock metaphor will keep even the Jedi's life in balance!Bill

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Paul Castain is the Vice President of Sales Development for Consolidated Graphics (CGX) one of North America’s leading general commercial printing companies. Paul has over 25 years of sales and sales leadership experience. He has trained, mentored and coached over 3,000 sales and sales leadership professionals. An accomplished public speaker, Paul has delivered numerous key note addresses. He has authored numerous training manuals, articles, blog posts and is currently working on his first book for release in 2011. Feel free to email Paul ctstrainer@yahoo.com.
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